The Last of Us Season 2: Everything We Know So Far

Introduction: Diving Back into the Apocalypse
What The Last of Us Season 2 is About: Adapting Part II
Returning and New Faces: The Season 2 Cast
Filming Locations: Down Under and Beyond?
Game vs. Show: Key Differences Emerging
Release Schedule: Kiwi Time
Frequently Asked Questions about TLOU Season 2
Conclusion: Anticipation for The Last of Us Season 2

The Last of Us season 2 is finally here, bringing us back into the brutal yet beautiful post-apocalyptic world we’ve come to love (and fear!). As someone who’s been hooked since the first clicker screeched onto screen, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the next chapter of Joel and Ellie’s journey. This new season promises to delve deeper into the emotionally charged narrative established in the acclaimed video game sequel, The Last of Us Part II. Get ready, because things are about to get intense – if you thought Season 1 was a wild ride, just you wait.

What The Last of Us Season 2 is About: Adapting Part II

Set five years after the events of the first season, The Last of Us’ second season picks up in Jackson, Wyoming. Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) have settled into a semblance of normal life within Tommy’s (Gabriel Luna) thriving commune. However, the peace they’ve found is fragile, built on secrets and the lingering trauma of their past experiences. The narrative is heavily based on the first half of the 2020 game, The Last of Us Part II . This game was known for its darker tone and controversial story points, particularly involving a new key character: Abby Anderson.

Without giving too much away for those unfamiliar with the game, the central conflict of this season revolves around the themes of revenge and the cyclical nature of violence. It explores how trauma shapes us and the devastating consequences of seeking retribution. It’s a story that really makes you think about who the “good guys” and “bad guys” truly are in a world gone to hell. I remember playing the game for the first time and just feeling absolutely gutted by some of the plot developments – it’s a tough watch (and play), but incredibly powerful.

This season introduces the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), a militia group based in Seattle, and the Seraphites, a religious cult they are at war with . Ellie’s path intertwines with these factions as she embarks on a personal mission that will challenge everything she thought she knew about morality and survival. Expect heartbreaking moments, intense action sequences, and a narrative that doesn’t pull any punches.

Returning and New Faces: The Season 2 Cast

One of the most exciting aspects of the Last of Us’ second season is seeing the incredible cast expand. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, who earned widespread acclaim for their portrayals of Joel and Ellie, are back, naturally . Their chemistry was a cornerstone of Season 1, and seeing how their strained relationship evolves after the events at the hospital is something I’m particularly keen to watch unfold.

Gabriel Luna returns as Tommy, Joel’s idealistic brother who has built a safe haven in Jackson . We’ll also see the return of Rutina Wesley as Maria, Tommy’s wife .

But the big news is the introduction of several pivotal new characters from The Last of Us Part II:

Kaitlyn Dever joins as Abby Anderson, a central figure whose story becomes deeply connected to Ellie’s .
Isabela Merced plays Dina, Ellie’s romantic interest and a resident of Jackson . Their relationship is a significant part of Ellie’s journey this season.
Young Mazino is Jesse, Dina’s ex and a key member of the Jackson community .
We’ll also see Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, and Danny Ramirez as Manny, members of the WLF group alongside Abby .
Catherine O’Hara is a notable addition as Gail, Joel’s therapist .
Jeffrey Wright portrays Isaac Dixon, the leader of the WLF .

Seeing this talented lineup take on these complex roles has me buzzing. I’ve followed some of these actors’ careers, and I have no doubt they’ll bring the depth and nuance these characters deserve.

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Filming Locations: Down Under and Beyond?

While the show is set across various locations in a post-apocalyptic United States, including Jackson, Wyoming, and Seattle, Washington, the actual filming for The Last of Us season 2 primarily took place in Canada . Specifically, production moved to British Columbia, with significant shooting also occurring back in Alberta, where much of the first season was filmed . There were even some additional scenes shot in Montana .

Production designer Don Macaulay mentioned using over 60 or 70 locations for the second season, combining real places with extensive sets and visual effects . Areas around Vancouver served as key backdrops for the ruins of Seattle . The town of Nanaimo in British Columbia was used to stand in for parts of Seattle, with its older buildings allowing the crew to transform storefronts to fit the show’s aesthetic . The Orpheum theatre in downtown Vancouver served as the location for the theatre where Ellie and Dina hide out . Even places like Mission and Langley in British Columbia were utilised for various scenes .

Interestingly, while some online chatter and credits from Season 1 mentioned New Zealand and Iceland, this appears to be related to post-production and visual effects work rather than actual filming locations . Wētā FX, a renowned visual effects company based in New Zealand, is credited for their support, which is super cool! So while not filmed *in* New Zealand, there’s definitely a Kiwi connection behind the scenes.

Building the town of Jackson for Season 2 was a significant undertaking. Instead of returning to Canmore, Alberta, which was used in Season 1, a brand new set was constructed in a parking lot in Britannia Beach, British Columbia . This allowed for greater control over the environment for filming.

Rural and snowy areas were also crucial. Fortress Mountain Resort in Alberta provided a stunning snowy backdrop for scenes . The production team even brought in snow to enhance winter effects in areas like Exshaw, Alberta, where a highway was closed for three days for filming . I can only imagine the logistics involved in making a post-apocalyptic world look so… authentic! It really speaks to the dedication of the cast and crew.

“The game is so well done that it doesn’t make sense not to try to do what’s in the game,” says production designer Don Macaulay, highlighting the show’s commitment to honouring the source material while adapting it for the screen.

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Game vs. Show: Key Differences Emerging

Adapting a beloved and detailed video game like The Last of Us Part II for television is always going to involve some changes, and The Last of Us season 2 is no exception . While co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann (who also worked on the game) have aimed for a faithful adaptation, they’ve made some deliberate choices to enhance the story for the TV format .

One notable difference is the pacing. Season 2 is shorter than the first, with seven episodes compared to nine . According to Druckmann, this was intentional, rooted in the narrative’s structure . The season focuses on the first half of Part II‘s story, implying that the full game will be covered over more than one season . This makes sense, as Part II is a much larger and more complex story than the first game.

Some specific plot points and character appearances have also been tweaked. For instance, the events leading up to Joel’s death are largely the same, but there are subtle differences, such as Dina being present in the show instead of Tommy as in the game . This change allows Dina to play a more active role early on and provides Ellie with the list of names for her revenge mission differently than in the game .

The inclusion of spores, which were largely absent in Season 1 (replaced by tendrils), makes an appearance in Season 2, though the context of Ellie’s immunity reveal to Dina differs slightly . In the show, Ellie gets bitten defending Dina, whereas in the game, her mask breaks in a spore-filled area .

Other changes include the addition of new scenes, such as one focusing on Jesse discovering Dina’s pregnancy, and the fate of Shimmer, Ellie and Dina’s horse, which survives the landmine incident in the show, unlike in the game . Also, the way characters like Mel and Owen meet their end is different in the show’s finale compared to the game, with Mel’s death being less intentional on Ellie’s part in the show .

The show also includes some original characters and storylines, like Gail, Joel’s therapist . These changes aren’t necessarily bad; they often serve to deepen character motivations or streamline the narrative for television. As a fan of both the game and the show, I find it fascinating to see how they diverge and what those changes add to the overall experience. It keeps things fresh, even if you know the game inside out.

Release Schedule: Kiwi Time

For those of us in New Zealand, knowing exactly when we can dive into the latest episodes of The Last of Us season 2 is crucial to avoid those pesky international spoilers! The show airs on HBO in the US, and for us Kiwis, it’s available exclusively on Neon .

Episodes drop weekly, typically on Monday afternoons here in New Zealand . The Season 2 premiere was on April 14, 2025, at 1 PM NZST . Subsequent episodes follow a similar weekly pattern, usually arriving at 1 PM NZST each Monday . So, if you’re planning your week, make sure that Monday afternoon slot is free for some intense post-apocalyptic viewing!

It’s always a bit of a wait after the US premiere, but honestly, the anticipation just builds, right? Plus, it gives me time to mentally prepare for whatever emotional rollercoaster Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann are about to put us through.

Frequently Asked Questions about TLOU Season 2

How many episodes are in The Last of Us Season 2?: The Last of Us Season 2 has a total of seven episodes.
Will The Last of Us Season 2 cover the whole of Part II?: No, Season 2 is based on the first half of the video game The Last of Us Part II. It’s expected that the remaining story will be covered in a subsequent season, likely Season 3.
Where can I watch The Last of Us Season 2 in New Zealand?: In New Zealand, you can stream The Last of Us Season 2 exclusively on Neon.

Conclusion: Anticipation for The Last of Us Season 2

So, there you have it – a look at what’s in store for The Last of Us season 2. From adapting the challenging narrative of Part II to expanding the incredible cast and bringing the post-apocalyptic world to life through stunning (and often bleak) filming locations, this season is shaping up to be a monumental television event. As someone who’s journeyed with Joel and Ellie through the game, seeing their story continue on screen with such care and attention is truly special. The emotional depth and brutal honesty of The Last of Us’ second season are what make it required viewing. It’s not just a zombie show; it’s a deep dive into human nature under unimaginable pressure, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us next.

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